My Setup: Router or Router/Modem?

carlitos · 28-02-2007, 16:30

Im moving over to Virgin Broadband (cable). I will be wireless, still deciding which router to get, but do I need a router/modem? Ive noticied how some routers are just routers and some say router and modem.

Basically I will need the internet connected 24/7 and will need a router that can offer this. I dont want to have to switch the pc on for the internet to be started up, like I say I need it on all the time.

I take it with some routers I will have to plug in my virgin modem into the router? Im looking for a way round this where I only need to use just the router, like I currently have with my adsl router, all I need with this is the router I think it has a built in modem , hope you guys know what I mean, can you recommend anything that is a good price, reliable and easy to set up.

Thanks

AndyCambs · 28-02-2007, 16:36

Virgin Media provide a cable modem in your monthly fee.

Assuming you're connecting more than one PC to the cable modem, then you will need a router. The ADSL router won't work with cable - a highly recommended one on this forum is the Linksys WRTG54UK (I think!) It's wireless. (Check PC World online for prices, I think it's come down quite a bit since I bought one).

Aragorn · 28-02-2007, 16:37

Hello again.

Cable doesn't work the same way as ADSL.

There is no such thing as an integrated Cable modem/Router - all cable modems have to be supplied by and registered on the Virgin network. Your new 'cable router' will plug in to the Cable Modem ethernet port and both will need to be on to get access to the internet. I (and a lot of others) use the Linksys cable routers - WRT54G or WRT54GSUK.

HTH

carlitos · 28-02-2007, 17:13

Thanks for the replys.

So I will need both the Virgin Modem and a seperate router.

Are these both standalone, what I mean is I wont need to have a pc switched on and directly connected to either in order for the modem/router to be powered up. Basically I need an internet connection on 24/7 even if there is no computer switched on.

So I need the modem/router to be powered themselves and constantly on.

Jon T · 28-02-2007, 17:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aragorn

There is no such thing as an integrated Cable modem/Router

HTH

They do exist, just that your not gonna get one working on the Virgin Media network.

Carlitos, yes, both the cable modem and router are standalone and self powered, so you won't need a PC switched on all the time.

Stephen · 28-02-2007, 17:35

Yes if you have the Modem on and connected to the router then you will still be able to access the net wirelessly or if there is something else connected to the router.

The PC doesn't need to be on.

carlitos · 28-02-2007, 18:36

What do you guys think of the netgear router? Any good?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Netgear-WGR614...ayphotohosting

oval73 · 28-02-2007, 18:51

Hi Carlitos, I've been using a Netgear WGR614 since I've been on 10meg service and it has been faultless and easy to set up. Recommended.

carlitos · 28-02-2007, 19:13

Thanks Oval.

I think I may go for the Netgear WGT624 108Mbps Wireless Firewall Router can anyone confirm that this one is right for the job I want to do?

Aragorn · 28-02-2007, 19:42

That will do the trick as well.

However, unless your existing adapter is a Netgear 'Super-G' 108Mbs device you won't get any faster wireless than a standard 54G router. So, IMO, not worth paying extra unless everything is from the same manufacturer - that includes the XBox, PS3, PSP or other wireless kit.

Jon T · 28-02-2007, 20:06

I've got a WGR614, no problems here.